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Start Your Skilled Trades Career in Less Than a Year!

Our Skilled Trades pre-apprenticeship and career exploration programs equip students for rewarding careers in skilled trades. With job readiness achieved in just over six months and an impressive placement rate of over 90%, our programs are built for success.

 

Our training programs are offered at no cost. This allows participants to gain the essential knowledge and develop the skills needed to embark on a rewarding career — tuition-free.

Pre-apprenticeship Training

Our free pre-apprenticeship programs offer training to eligible individuals, along with job search assistance after graduation. Students graduate with valuable skills and hands-on experience, fully prepared to launch a career in the industrial or construction sector.

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Skilled Trades Exploration

The Skilled Trades Exploration Programs helps youth and eligible individuals explore careers in the skilled trades by providing hands-on experience in construction, manufacturing, and electrical trades.

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Academic Upgrading Programs

Develop new skills or build on existing ones with our free academic upgrading and training programs, designed for employment, mature student testing, apprenticeship training, and other exams.

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Building Better Futures

Client Testimonials

The Trades We Teach

We offer comprehensive instruction and training to help you launch a career in a variety of skilled trades by preparing you for your apprenticeship and/or job. Our programs include Industrial Electrical, Residential Electrical, Machining, Industrial Millwright, and Carpentry in Construction, providing you with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to have a successful start in these high-demand fields. Our programs are free to all participants. 

Careers in Skilled Trades

Skilled trades play a vital role in Canada’s economy, offering numerous compelling reasons to consider pursuing a career in this field. With a diverse range of job opportunities, skilled trades provide flexibility and variety for workers. Many trades offer the opportunity to “earn while you learn,” making them financially accessible. Additionally, strong labour market demands ensure job security, while high job satisfaction and competitive earning potential make the skilled trades a rewarding career choice.

What you’ll like about our programs

Students enjoy small class sizes and hands-on practical training, spending 70–80% of their time in the shop. No additional academic electives are required, and all instruction is provided by seasoned industry professionals.

All skilled trades training programs take place at our skilled trades workshop at 3335 North Service Road, Burlington and our head office at 3350 South Service Road, Burlington.

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Latest Job Openings

Visit the Job Board to see all available openings.

Job Developer / Job Coach

Burlington, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: May 29, 2025

Embark on a Bright Future with Centre for Skills Development Are you entrepreneurial, client-focused and committed to teamwork and excellence? Do you enjoy working withclients from diverse backgrounds? If you want to work for a recognized leader in career and …

JobID: 456

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Employment / Student Support Specialist

Burlington, ON In-person Temporary

Posted: May 29, 2025

Embark on a Bright Future with Centre for Skills Development Are you entrepreneurial, client-focused and committed to teamwork and excellence? Do you enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds? If you want to work for a recognized leader in career …

JobID: 444

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Deli Associate

Burlington, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: May 27, 2025

 Deli Associate Description  R. Denninger Limited is one of the finest food companies in the world. For more than 70 years, quality has been the founding criteria of our company. Denninger’s has five retail locations, a manufacturing plant and a warehouse …

JobID: HV -DeliBurl

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News & Events

Volunteering: To Give is to Receive! 

May 26, 2025

On April 29, 2025, Centre for Skills proudly celebrated the dedication of 39 remarkable individuals at our Volunteer Recognition Celebration during National Volunteer Week. It was made very clear by volunteers who spoke at the event that the benefits of…
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Join Our Newcomer Conversation Circles in Halton!

February 10, 2025

Want to chat in English with other Newcomers to Canada? Join Our Newcomer Conversation Circles! Come join us in person at our local libraries in Burlington and Oakville! This is a wonderful opportunity for newcomers to connect with more experienced…
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Feeling Stuck in Your Career? Canada’s Job Bank Can Help 

February 10, 2025

Remember those high school Civics & Careers classes when your teacher asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and you had no idea? Fast forward to now, perhaps after a career path or two, you feel…
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For Employers

Our pre-apprentices are skilled, trained, safety-certified, and ready to work.

Meet your recruiting needs with qualified apprentices who are prepared to contribute from day one.

Contact our Employer Services today!